27 clubs from the East of Scotland and South of Scotland Leagues, and members of the Scottish Junior FA, initially expressed an interest in joining the new league, and a total of 17 formal applications were received.

The Project Steering Group, made up of Scottish FA Executive, Licensing Committee and club representatives, selected the 12 clubs based on their ability to meet Scottish FA club licensing criteria.

Three clubs - Spartans, Threave Rovers and Preston Athletic - are currently licensed member clubs, and the remaining nine, who have detailed plans in place, must comply by May 2015.

This decision will be ratified by the Board of the Scottish FA at its meeting on 27th June 2013.

Scottish FA chief executive, Stewart Regan, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for all 12 clubs, and another step forward for league reconstruction in Scotland.

“It’s important that ambitious clubs are given opportunities to progress. With the Scottish Lowland Football League running in tandem with the Scottish Highland Football League from next season, we are on track to create a pyramid system feeding into the senior leagues.

“The hard work now continues with the creation of the new league board, appointment of office bearers and detailed planning ahead of the start of the new season in August.

“On behalf of the Scottish FA, I wish all 12 clubs the very best of luck for the new season and beyond.”

The inaugural General Meeting of the Scottish Lowland Football League will be held on Monday 24th June, when board members will be selected and further detailed planning will commence.

Pending the formation of the new Scottish Professional Football League, play-offs between the bottom division and the Scottish Lowland Football League and Scottish Highland Football League are planned to commence at the end of season 2014/15.